Egyptian Proposal at Autonomy Talks for ‘balanced Changes’ in 242 Caiches Israel by Surprise

The fifth round of the Israeli-Egyptian autonomy talks were in danger of being bogged down today over an Egyptian proposal for “balanced changes” in United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 to enable Palestinian participation in the peace negotiations. Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan and Boutros Ghali, the Egyptian Minister of State, were scheduled to meet tonight in an attempt to iron out the dispute.

The call for “balanced changes” was made by Egyptian Premier Mustapha Khalil at the end of today’s afternoon session of the autonomy talks and caught Israel by surprise.

Justice Minister Shmuel Tamir immediately said that any changes in the UN resolution could endanger the entire peace process. Interior Minister Yosef Burg, head of the Israeli delegation, said Resolution 242 was the basis of the Israeli-Egyptian peace agreement and any change could bring about a reconsideration of Israel’s attitude toward autonomy for Palestinian Arabs on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

As soon as Khalil made his proposal, the Israeli delegation telephoned Premier Menachem Begin, who is recovering at his home, for consultations. The Israelis may now demand another meeting with the Egyptians tonight to discuss this development.

‘BALANCED CHANGE’ REJECTED

Khalil explained that by a “balanced change” he meant condemnation of Palestinian terrorism, along with the recognition of Palestinian rights. He also said that any party which would not recognize Israel’s right to exist, would not be a party for the negotiations.

But Tamir, in a radio interview, rejected any changes, whether or not they are called balanced. He said “We are resolved…that no independent Palestinian state will be formed in Judaea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip because this is a direct threat to Israel. I believe that our good friends in the U.S. and our new friends in Egypt will understand that any process in such a direction will endanger a process so highly important.”

By this evening the tension had eased some-what after Khalil told Burg that Egypt would not initiate any changes in Resolution 242, but would support it if a third party proposed changes.

Khalil also caused a stir in the afternoon session when he suggested writing into the text of election modalities that all political organizations had a right to function. He argued that this could weaken the Palestine Liberation Organization.

But the Israelis argued the opposite. They said this would only legitimize the establishment of a party calling for the destruction of Israel. Here Khalil agreed that no party with such a declared platform should be allowed. He further recommended that Israel, Egypt and the U.S. supervise the elections leading to autonomy. Although Israel did not immediately react to this proposal, the reply is likely to be negative, since it is Israel’s policy that it has proven in the past it can maintain free elections in the territories, and no supervision is necessary.

Meanwhile, details were provided today on the forthcoming visit by President Anwar Sadat to Haifa. Sadat is due in Haifa at the end of this month. Hundreds of Egyptian navy personnel and sailors will visit Haifa during the trip. Two Egyptian destroyers will escort the Presidential yacht to the Haifa harbor. Sadat will meet for two working sessions with Begin, and will visit Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan and an electronics plant.